May 29, 2009

Located on a small street in the charming Vieux Montreal district, Garde Manger serves honest, simple, impressive food in a rustic chic setting. With exposed stone walls, blackboard menus, and a wildly oversized chandelier, the restaurant has gained a reputation for its fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients. The sea scallops with carrot butter literally melted in your mouth and the short rib braised in red wine was delightful. At night the restaurant transforms into a nightclub offering premium table service and encouraging patrons to use the bar and tables as their dance floor. Next time I will have to make room for their infamous fried mars bar dessert..

Chef Chuck Hughes

Chef Chuck Hughes is featured on the Food Network in Chuck’s Day Off where he prepares his fresh, simple fare for family and friends.

May 29, 2009

25 year-old French design student, François Mangeol, has created this beautiful carpet which represents the intersection of the Western and Oriental worlds. Using the font Times New Roman, Mangeol follows both a familiar and abstract pattern inspired by Perisan rugs.

May 27, 2009

Although this street food truck was featured at the Milan Design Week 2008, I recently stumbled upon it and loved the design. I believe that gourmet “vendies” are a growing market with huge potential. Designed by architect Andrea Carletti and built by Vespa, the trendy, modern street cart served Italian sandwiches and wine to patrons. Even the packaging for take-away kept design in mind, with a combination bag and wine glass holder designed by Chiara Moreschi. Magnifico!

May 22, 2009

With a newly opened location in Culver City, Chef Sang Yoon’s Father’s Office continues to attract crowds with juicy burgers, artisan beer brews, and yummy sweet potatoe fries. File into the long, narrow space glance at the chalk board menus and place your order at the bar. With toppings such as blue cheese and applewood bacon compote offered you you can’t go wrong at this office!

May 18, 2009

Linz, Austria was recognized as the 2009 European Capital of Culture. For guests coming to explore the city of Linz, the Pixel Hotel invites guests to experience a unique art and architecture collaboration and an unconventional lodging experience. With six different rooms spread out over the city, guests can experience a holiday in an urban space. With options ranging from a riverside tugboat to an abandoned soup kitchen to a 1963 caravan to a modern art gallery, each guest will find their stay truly unusual. Blurring the definition of a traditional hotel, Pixel Hotel offers rates starting at $250 a night. Shack up!

Pixel in Court: 1963 caravan in a concrete garage

Pixel in der Galerie: art gallery with furniture designed by Thomas Feichter

May 14, 2009

Chris Anthony’s latest show, Venice, at Corey Helford’s Gallery in Culver City depicts a civilation that emerges from the ocean. The icy pallate of greys and blues give the photos a dream-like quality as the citizens of a sinking city emerge.

May 12, 2009

In April, Monocle Magazine opened it’s second retail location in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles. Similiar to their first shop in Marylebone, London, the shop is quite small, merely 115 sq. ft., and features unique design collaborations (see below) as well as past and present issues of their esteemed magazine. Published by the Founder of Wallpaper*, Tyler Brule, Monocle Magazine provides a monthly briefing on the “global affairs, business, culture, and design” of the world. The design layout and the physical quality of the magazine nearly completely justify its hefty price tag ($10). I adore reading it and can’t seem to put it down. I can’t wait to visit their store stateside- although I feel Abbot Kinney would have been a more interesting place for them to set up shop. Regardless in this economy, trust me, Monocle’s next issue is one investment you won’t regret.